5 Key Benefits of Using Doggy Daycare  Let’s take a time machine back to 2002, where were you? Maybe you were right here in Abbotsford, maybe you lived somewhere else. What I can tell you is that Just About Pets was opening it’s doors for the first time and revealing Doggy Daycare to Abbotsfords Dog Parents! There were almost no clients those days, just a few curious pups playing with the staffs dogs. But, steadily the word got out and the value of a Daycare for Dogs became clear to Abbotsford’s pup owners. Across North America Doggy daycare has rapidly evolved from a niche service to a mainstream necessity for pet owners. As our lives get busier, the need for reliable pet care solutions grows, making doggy daycare a popular choice for those who want to ensure their furry friends are well-cared for while they handle daily responsibilities. However, the advantages of doggy daycare extend far beyond mere convenience. This service is not just a stopgap for busy pet owners but a dynamic environment that plays a crucial role in the overall well-being of dogs. At doggy daycare, dogs don't just spend their time; they thrive, benefiting from enhanced social interactions, physical exercise, and consistent care that contribute significantly to their health and happiness. I decided it was high time to go over the different benefits of using a Doggy Daycare for your dog. We talk about these all the time in the store with clients in person, but I figured I should share them with you, right here.  ` You can see the value of Doggy Daycare in 5 different crucial ways:
Benefit #1: Socialization Dogs are social creatures, naturally they’d be living in packs and wild dogs and their cousins the wolf, still do. But, like any social animal if they don’t have the chance to practice and stay social they not only can use their social skills, but they can also feel more isolated and depressed because of how lonely they can get. Doggy daycare offers a safe and controlled environment for dogs to meet and interact with various other dog breeds and temperaments. This continuous socialization helps timid dogs become more confident and teaches overly enthusiastic dogs proper play manners. Regular interaction with other dogs and people reduces social anxiety and helps dogs develop a more balanced personality. Benefit #2: Physical Health The oldest and healthiest dogs in the world are ones that get a lot of regular exercise. Another one of the standout benefits of doggy daycare is the guarantee that dogs get regular, structured physical activity. They’re playing and bouncing with each other. They’re chasing balls outside, moving over agility equipment and getting both a body and a brain work out. Activities at a Doggy Daycare are often designed to keep dogs engaged, active, and moving, all crucial parts for maintaining optimal physical health. From games of fetch to agility courses, the physical activities at daycare help prevent obesity, improve cardiovascular health, and keep the dogs agile and fit. Benefit #3: Reduces Anxiety and Stress Reduction “My house is being destroyed and eaten by my dog” is one of the most common things we hear when someone reaches out to find out more about our Doggy Daycare. It’s normal for dogs to experience separation anxiety or exhibit destructive behaviors when left alone at home for long periods. Doggy daycare solves that problem. Doggy Daycare provides dogs with continuous interaction and attention, significantly reducing stress levels and preventing common behavioral issues such as chewing, barking, and aggression. The routine provided by a regular daycare schedule can also help dogs feel more secure and less anxious. Benefit #4: Hands On Care Good Doggy Daycares provide literal hands on care all day long. Professional Doggy Daycares, like ours, spend hours training their staff to be experts on dog behavior, dog socializing, dog handling and training and are equipped to handle emergencies, because ensuring your pet is safe and healthy is a top priority for Doggy Daycares. In fact in our Doggy Daycare space we’ve discovered countless health issues that many Dog Parents didn’t even know their pup was suffering from. Doggy Daycares see how your dog moves, how they play, what their poop and pee look like, all attributes of your dogs health that can show what’s going on inside. This expertise ensures that all dogs receive appropriate care, including administering medication if required, and that behavioral issues are managed professionally. For pet owners, this provides peace of mind knowing that their beloved pets are in capable hands. Benefit #5: Peace of Mind for You Having a dog and busy home life can sometimes lead to guilt. The final big benefit of Doggy Daycare is how it makes your day easier and takes away your guilt. A Doggy daycare is not only beneficial for dogs (we’ve talked a lot about that already in this article) but it also offers a practical solution for pet owners. It eliminates the worry of rushing home to feed or exercise.
0 Comments
 Maintaining a healthy weight for your dog is more than just a numbers game. A healthy weight for your pupper is also about ensuring their happiness, well-being, and overall quality of life. In this article, we'll explore some 'pawsitive' steps you can take to help your beloved canine companion maintain a healthy weight. Before we dive into the details, let's just say that each breed and even each individual dog is different and what we're covering today can flex based on your dog. In fact, we had a client in the store just last week who's dog was very healthy and happy and she was told that he was underweight and too skinny...he wasn't, he was in great shape! A healthy weight is not just a number on a scale; it's a reflection of your dog's overall health. And, the opposite can be said for a dog that has weight challenges. Dogs that are too heavy are more susceptible to various health issues, from joint problems to heart disease, from diabetes to arthritis. We can both agree that avoiding this debilitating issues is important for the long term health of your pup.  Here's how you can help your furry friend maintain a healthy weight: It all starts with a Balanced Diet and Proper Nutrition. A well-balanced diet is the bedrock of your dog's health. It's essential to feed them the right amount of food, taking into account their age, breed, and activity level. Plus you need to ensure that your dog gets the proper amount of calories, micro-nutrients and vitamins. This is all crucial. So, how do you know if you're doing that? Most of use would read the feeding guideline on food package and go from there. But, unfortunately it's not that easy. Most commercially prepared cooked dog foods (also known as Kibble) is full of useless, empty calories, devoid of micro-nutrients and use unnatural synthetic vitamins. Most of these foods are designed to keep your dog alive, but not thriving. Would you prefer your dog to just survive? Or would you love them to THRIVE!? The criminally poor levels of nutrition in most commercially prepared dog and cat foods is one of he main reasons I feed raw, real food, and why it's our first recommendation to clients when they're asking about nutrition. *Important note! You may want or find yourself sharing scraps from what you eat with your dog. This could be the occasional cracker, veggies, perhaps some cheese or even a chunk of that summer steak etc... These are real foods that your dog can eat. Sharing is really caring! But, you have to do so in moderation and with consideration of your pets size. In other words a small chunk of cheese for you, could in fact be more like a block for your Pom. That half a piece of bacon for your Beagle...more like 6 pieces of bacon for you! So, sharing with your pup is great, but please keep in mind portion size. You don't want to send your dog into pancreatic shock because of too many fatty food mornings. Now, let's talk exercise!  Exercise is not just a means to burn calories; it's an opportunity for your dog to have fun and bond with you. Tailor your exercise routine to your dog's breed, age, and energy level. Regular walks, playtime, and interactive toys can keep your dog physically and mentally stimulated. And this level of stimulation has been proven to burn more calories. As much as we'd like to complicate things with weight, the simple truth is that a body that eats more calories than it uses on a daily basis, tends to store fat. While a body that burns the calories it eats, doesn't store much fat. This is true for most people and our pets. Chilla, an Aussie Shepherd lived to be 32 years old and when her Dad was asked what the secret to her longevity was...he said she'd walk the farm by his tractor all day long, each and every day. They'd talk, they'd play and she got lots of exercise. (Plus she ate mostly a Fresh Food diet, with lots of Raw proteins and goats milk!!!) Your job is to make the exercise fun for both of you! Incorporate enjoyable activities like hiking, agility training, or games of fetch to keep both you and your dog entertained. These activities not only help maintain a healthy weight but also strengthen the connection between you and your loyal companion. Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight is not only a matter of physical well-being but also a demonstration of your love and care. By providing a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise, you can ensure that your four-legged friend enjoys a long, active, and joy-filled life. Remember that the journey to a healthier dog is a pawsitive one, and it's worth every step you take together. |
AuthorMichael Bridgman is the CEO of Just About Pets and a certified nutritionist. ArchivesCategories |
RSS Feed